Commonwealth scholars harp on social justice, innovation to tackle Nigeria’s challenges

The Commonwealth Scholars and Fellows Alumni Association Nigeria (COSFAN) has called for the entrenchment of social justice, technological innovation, and good governance to address the myriad challenges facing the country.

Alumni made the call during the opening ceremony of a two-day maiden conference of COSFAN, themed “2024 International Conference,” held at the Trenchard Hall of the University of Ibadan, Oyo State.

The President of COSFAN, Dr. Samuel Ekundayo, stated that the conference was imperative to propose solutions to the issues besetting the country.

Ekundayo, the convener, explained that COSFAN comprises professionals, including scientists and scholars from across the country, who have studied in the UK since 1960.

“We are all coming together to discuss critical issues and proffer solutions to the challenges we are facing in the country. Everything fundamentally hinges on governance. No matter the calibre of people you have, without experts in their respective areas, issues are likely to arise. The country needs good governance at this point in time. We also need social justice to rectify our systems and a high level of technology to resolve many of the ongoing issues in the country,” he said.

In her remarks, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on SDGs, Mrs. Adejoke Orelope–Adefulire, commended the conference organisers for their patriotism and love for the country. Orelope–Adefulire, the keynote speaker, was represented by her Special Assistant, Rose Keffas.

“We need transformative, catalytic policies and programs to ensure we achieve the SDGs by 2030,” she said.

Also speaking, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Prof. Kayode Adebowale, noted that the conference was timely as it would provide an opportunity for all stakeholders and alumni members to network.

“This maiden conference of the Commonwealth Scholars and Fellows Alumni Association of Nigeria allows those who have benefitted from Commonwealth Scholarships to come together and connect,” he said.

The chairman of the conference’s local organising committee, Prof. Adejoke Akinyele, pointed out that Nigerians have been benefiting from the Commonwealth Scholarships Commission since 1960.